The video above shows how to check the belts on your 2011 Mazda 3 - if it gives more than a half inch when pressed, is cracked, frayed or appears shiny, you should change it (or have it changed) immediately. Worn belts in a 3 are one of those things that can cause a lot of problems if ignored, while typically being fairly cheap and easy to replace. Check out our parts page for coupons on new belts for your 3!

The belts in your 3 connect your engine to many of the components you use every day such as your air conditioner, battery (via the alternator), power steering and cooling system. As such, you may experience a dead battery, difficulty steering, overheating, etc. that might be due to a worn belt, not a faulty component! If your 3 is one of those Mazdas that shrieks horrendously when it runs, you likely have a worn belt, bad tensioner or both.